Ann Widdecombe to Have Public Memorial Later This Year

Ann Widdecombe’s family has announced that a public memorial for the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman will be held later this year. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her Dartmoor home with serious head injuries on July 9, as murder proceedings against 28-year-old Joshua Kerry continue through the court system.

Family Announces Public Memorial Plans Following Tragic Death

The 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative minister was discovered dead at her bungalow in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, having sustained serious head injuries. While public mourning has been widespread, her relatives have organized a private initial ceremony.

“We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe. A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed. A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course. While we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann.”

Ann Widdecombe’s family, via BBC News and Shropshire Star

Court Proceedings and Ongoing Police Investigation

As the family prepares for the memorials, legal proceedings move forward in London. During hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the Old Bailey, prosecutor Alistair Richardson outlined the Crown’s case. Prosecutors detailed that on July 8, Miss Widdecombe was eating lunch when Kerry allegedly arrived at her bungalow in a red Vauxhall Corsa, entered through the front door, and used a hammer to strike her 21 times on the head. After striking her, Kerry then allegedly tipped Miss Widdecombe from her chair and took a wallet out of her handbag before leaving and driving off, having only been in the property for two minutes. A provisional cause of death was established as a blunt force injury to the head, the court heard. Detectives continue to investigate whether any political or terrorist motivation played a role in the attack.

Judicial Timeline and Upcoming Court Dates

The suspect, who was living 265 miles away in South Yorkshire prior to his arrest on July 11, appeared in the dock wearing a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and Byrley Road address.

July 8: Date of the alleged incident at the Haytor bungalow.
July 9: Miss Widdecombe discovered dead with serious head injuries.
July 11: Joshua Kerry arrested on suspicion of murder.
October 9: Case management hearing scheduled at court.
November 20: Further plea and trial preparation hearing.
June 8 2027: Provisional trial date listed.

Political Figures and Entertainment Stars Pay Tribute

Tributes have spanned across the political landscape and the entertainment industry. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch stated that her party was reeling, describing Widdecombe as a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind. Widdecombe served as the shadow home secretary from 1999 to 2001.

The then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remembered Widdecombe as a distinguished politician, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage posted a video stating that she was an extraordinary woman who gave her life to public service, to fighting for the things she believed in, describing her as a devout Christian and somebody with strong socially conservative views. Outside of politics, Widdecombe gained widespread public recognition through television appearances, including competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.

Anton Du Beke, who was her partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, said he was devastated by what he called the saddest of news. In a video on X, he said, I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing, she became a real friend, she was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game, wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing.

Sources: bbc.co.uk.